Metrolink launches new Manchester trams

The first of Manchester's new fleet of trams hit the tracks today. The iconic green and grey carriages are gradually being replaced by yellow and silver ones. Forty of the new vehicles will be introduced onto the network as it almost doubles in size over the next three years.

[@eurocharter]

Some of the old trams dating from 1992 are now being withdrawn. The first 2nd generation trams in the country to be withdrawn. 1011 was the first back in April 2012 followed by 1004 in May & 1008 in June.

[@TransportWithDee]

13 years later we have 147 of them

[@RailFan4000]

oh god dont remind me inferior trams

[@SteAndKel]

@Wongie2009 the old trams are actually being repainted yellow as each are refurbished.

[@samtron2000]

The usual top notch reporting from channel m i see. The new trams are NOT going to replace the old ones. It was even said at the beginning of the report that the older ones will be refurbished. At least you are now saying 17 years old unlike over the summer where channel m seemed to think that april 1992 - summer 2009 was 16 years!

[@never152]

Great insight from Pete Waterman lol

[@samtron2000]

@ wongle999. The ends have not been painted to conform with network rail!!!! It wad established way back in the 80's that as the system is segregated except to a short distance at navigation road, there would be no requirement for yellow ends.

[@01mufcfan]

The new ones are better because they have bigger windows and more room for people if they need to stand up

[@samtron2000]

@ suncoolclose. Why should they have been repainted into stagecoach livery!?! Stagecoach are paid a fixed amount by gmpte to operate the system. The system is owned by gmpte, so quite rightly they choose the look. It establishes a uniform look that stays regardless of the company operating the system

[@capgrl888]

1:29 go on paul work it girl ! :)

[@gallafey]

since Blackpool like to collect old trams as well as buy new it would fun to see a Manchester Metrolink tram on the see frount but that's not likly to happen

[@extrude22]

The new trams are aditional to the old trams. They will NOT replace the old trams!

[@SimonS44]

NoYourself They will. Trust me, they will.

[@MorganTheTimeLord]

NoYourself all gone now

[@Mike-77-YT]

Well this aged like milk...

[@CaledonianJohn]

They have been out of service for 10 years today now